Wicket Season

WICKET SEASON – Lorimer Books, March 2012

In Winnipeg, Harry was a cricket star. With few West Indians in the community and few people who played the sport, he always stood out from the crowd. But when he moves to Toronto’s Little Jamaica to stay with his grandfather, Harry is suddenly just another West Indian kid who loves cricket. There are even girls who are more talented than him.
Harry is determined to make the cricket team at his new school, but he’ll really have to step up his game. To prove his commitment to the sport, he volunteers to coach Kanga cricket – cricket for beginners, akin to little league baseball. At first, all he wants to do is impress the coach. But soon, Harry realizes that being a part of a bigger community can be more rewarding than standing out on your own.

“This novel will have a ready-made market with the many cultures who are familiar with cricket, and will broaden the experience of those who are not.” Rated G – Good, even great at times, generally useful!” (Patricia Jermey Resource Links 20121001)

“The concepts of community, multiculturalism, immigration, and racism are interwoven into this sports tale. The originality of cricket as a vehicle for Prendergast’s tale is also a refreshing change.” (Jonine Bergen CM: Canadian Review of Materials 20121005)

“The story is good, plus the characters represent a wide range of cultures and races. Overall, it would make a great reluctant reader book…” ROYAL REVIEWS, Sarah Howison, Clermont County Public Library

“Wicket Season is a fast-paced read, with believable, likeable characters, a plot with just the right amount of tension, a realistic setting and a satisfying lesson learned.” Aileen Wortley Canadian Children’s Book News

And here’s a review direct from the target audience – an 11 year old kid of West Indian descent.